Puppycatmeow Etsy shop feature

I was so happy that Tressa of Puppycatmeow agreed to be a featured Etsy seller! I thought “oh, it will be cute puppy and kitty stuff”, instead I found a unique and extremely creative shop filled with gorgeous fantasy and renaissance hair wear that just blows me away! I’m in love with the Pheasant Feather headband! The pieces Tressa creates are realistic and fun looking! It’s inspiring to hear Tressa’s story about how she became a work at home mom! Let’s learn how she does it!

When and why did you open your Etsy shop?

August 2009. I am a 40 year old mother of 2 small children. I have been a hairstylist for 20 years but when I had a complications in my last pregnancy and needed bed rest I thought of ways I could be a hairstylist at home – so I could stay at home with my kids. I have been braiding hair at Renaissance Festivals for a while and after a short haircut I realized I needed longer hair so I made braid extensions for myself. I decided that other people might want the same thing so I thought “I know I can sell the braids on Etsy!” My first listing was made!

Who or What inspires you to create?

I dream a lot. I have dreams about hairstyles and when I wake up I need to make them. I am always coming up with new designs in my sleep! I love Science Fiction fantasy films and I end up getting inspired by the characters. I tend to make sci fi type hairstyles in my dreams most of the time. Sometimes I dream up normal stuff… but not usually.

Can you tell us a bit about your creating process?

Whenever I see a cool design I try to incorporate it somehow into a hair style. Lately I have been playing around with Chinese knot work so stay tuned – there are some fancy knotted headbands to match your hair color coming out soon!

What do you just love making the most? What craft would you like to try next?

I like it when people ask for special requests… I love finding out what strange hairstyle someone wants and trying to make it into reality. I really love the challenge! What I am working on next is kind of the crazy style hair dos.. I have a birds nest made of hair coming out soon and I am working on a teacup hat made of hair inspired by Lady Gaga… I am hoping that she will see it and want it! Maybe she can wear it the next time she visits the Queen of England. Who knows?

If you could have one wish, right now in this moment, what would it be?

That I would be “discovered” as a hairstylist and chosen to do the hair styles for the next “Lord of the Rings” or “Star Wars” type movie. Of course I would need to be able to bring my family with me to live on location in New Zealand for the whole shooting!

Win It!

One lucky reader will get to pick one of these three fab hairstyles from Puppycatmeow’s shop (a $20-$25 value!):

The winner will also get to choose which color they want their hairstyle to be! Tressa can match your highlights too! All styles are made specifically to match – custom to your hair color… made by Tressa the hairdressa!

Henrietta Newman is a self-loving single mom into smudging, nature, yoga, fitness, healthy living, tech, video games, gadgets, recipes, reviews and more.
With a love for the outdoors and visiting local attractions in and around NW PA and Lake Erie, you never know what you'll find in my nest! Subscribe to A Hen's Nest so you don't miss the fun!

I like your "Instant Updos". My hair is short now and I can't do that anymore with it. It would be cool to have something that I don't have to fuss with. Just put it on and go..no curling irons, no tons of hairspray. Great idea!

I actually have enough hair to do really fancy styles– mine is hip-length– but I do NOT have the patience! And most hairpiece sellers don't have my color (Light gold-brown with a lot of red), so I end up just going with braids 99 percent of the time. I'd love this for special occasions- or just to stun folks at work!

I am in love with this store! Who doesn't love long flowing hair one day and your short cute hair the next. I really like the Rosette crown, don't know where I will wear it, but I like it a lot. ambrerose(!at)aol.com

You are extremely talented! Would have a big 'ol wad of a fur ball that looked horrid if I tried to made something as wonderful as these hair pieces. I love the "Gaga" hair bow and the braided bun. Everything is wonderful.